Summary
Description
The Colorado Parks and Recreation Association is an educational and professional 501(c)(3) organization with 1,400+ members located in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Position reports directly to the CPRA Board of Directors, supervised by and routinely communicating with the Board President.
Nearly 75 years old, CPRA is a thriving non-profit poised for excellence. For the next phase in its journey, CPRA is seeking an Interim Executive Director to guide initial implementation of the 2026-2029 Strategic Plan and to strengthen excellence in non-profit governance and financial management. The Interim Executive Director will also be able to participate as a candidate for the permanent Executive Director position, recruitment anticipated in Q4 2026.
Job Summary
The Interim’s primary responsibilities will include strategic planning, board development implementing governance best practices, supporting operations and programming, and financial management. The Interim will evaluate and redefine aspects of the organization’s effectiveness as necessary to best serve the association members, support CPRA’s staff of three, and to align with best practices in non-profit management.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Additional duties may be assigned)
Leadership and Board Relations
● In partnership with the Board of Directors, support steady implementation of the 2026-2029
Strategic Plan. Appropriately prioritizes staff initiatives, including and developing staff through implementation.
● In partnership with the Board of Directors, lead, contribute or serve as liaison to initiatives and committees implementing the Strategic Plan.
● Explores methods to strengthen the association, including strategic partnerships.
● Serves as staff liaison to the Board of Directors, Committee Chairs and the membership.
● Prepares and presents written and oral reports to the Board of Directors.
● Reviews and recommends changes in policies, By-laws, guidelines and other operational procedures.
● Assists Board and committees in developing and achieving their goals.
● Monitors section and groups activities to ensure adherence to Association policies and
mission.
Governance
● Develop governance best practices, policies, and internal processes through effective
board and committee structures including, but not limited to a bylaws refresh.
● Facilitate and deliver meaningful board and committee meetings including Board communications,
agenda and material development, etc.
● Review current business relationships and policies to develop, as necessary, accounting,
legal, human resources, risk management and ordinary business operations needs
that comply with federal and state law
● Oversee and manage legal activities such as letters of agreement, contracts, leases, and
other legal documents. Ensures compliance with all applicable laws governing
non-profits in Colorado.
Finance
● Support the implementation of QuickBooks online.
● Develop and manage the annual budget, and ensure fiscal responsibility
● Support and oversight of banking operations, financial projections, and reporting to ensure best stewardship of finances and other
resources.
● Oversight of regulatory and legal compliance, including the filing of all required tax documents and financial statements
Management
● Promote a positive work culture where employees thrive.
● Ensure compliance with all CPRA policies and applicable Colorado laws.
● Recruit, hire and supervise all CPRA employees.
● Supervise the work of operating committees, including but not limited to Conference
Committee.
Education and Experience
● Bachelor’s degree required in non-profit management, leisure studies, or a related field;
Master’s degree in Public or Business Administration preferred.
● Five to seven years’ experience in executive level non-profit operations and/or management required, with an emphasis on financial
practices.
● Preferred ability to demonstrate proven accomplishments as a strategic planner, strong manager, change facilitator, financial developer, communicator and advocate.
● Experience in parks and recreation and Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or
Certified Parks and Recreation Executive (CPRE) preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
● Strong analytical, critical thinking, decision-making and organizational skills
● Knowledge of non-profit laws and regulations.
● Able to oversee multiple projects, priorities, and tasks simultaneously
● Ability to plan, organize and administer the overall affairs of the Association.
● Ability to prepare comprehensive administrative reports.
● Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with extensive experience in public
presentations.
● Proficient use of technology systems including, Google suite, Microsoft Office products,
videoconferencing meeting platforms and QuickBooks online.
● Ability to lead, manage and develop high performance teams and collaborate effectively
with diverse groups to advance the association’s mission and goals.
Benefits
● Exempt position, compensation to be determined upon hire in alignment with qualifications and work schedule: $8,000-$10,000 stipend per month
● This position may be 30 or 40 hours per week. Compensation would be pro-rated at ¾ if 30 hours per week.
● Flexible work schedule.
● Primarily remote work from a home office, with in-person team time on the Front Range up to 20% of the time at critical milestones.
● Expenses incurred for phone and internet service shall be reimbursed by the Association.
● A laptop computer and printer are provided by the Association.
● Position involves travel; reliable transportation is required. Travel shall be reimbursed at the federal reimbursement rate.
● Association covers all expenses for the Interim Executive Director to attend the annual NRPA Conference and the summer meeting of the Council of State Executive Directors.
How to Apply
Email a resume and cover letter to CPRA President,Ali Rhodes, at RhodesA@bouldercolorado.gov
Include responses to these five screening questions:
Please limit all responses to 250 words.
1. Please describe your experience in executive level non-profit operations or management.
2. What do you see as the primary role of an interim director in a non-profit, and why are you interested in
serving in this role?
3. How will you evaluate the organization’s operations and finances?
4. How will you approach supporting the team, who may be anxious about leadership transitions?
5. CPRA’s mission is to promote excellence in the Parks & Recreation industry through connection,
education, and recognition. Tell us about your experience with public parks and
recreation.
